On June 11, the Pattonville Board of Education approved the renewal of Chartwells K12 as the district’s food service management company. Chartwells was selected after a competitive bid process. Chartwells manages the day-to-day operations of Pattonville’s program, including food purchasing, menu development, staff training, meeting state and federal requirements and other services. Audrey Westrich, a Chartwells employee, serves as Pattonville’s director of food services. 

“I am thrilled the Pattonville School District has chosen to continue their partnership with Chartwells K12,” Westrich said. “Our partnership extends beyond serving meals in school. We provide an environment for students to discover new foods and flavors by coordinating culinary and nutrition experiences in the cafe. We collaborate on garden projects, nutrition education, cultural nights, community dinners, district wellness programs and so many more. We appreciate and thank Pattonville for your continued partnership.” 

The new contract also includes additional staffing support. Over the past three years, food service staffing levels have steadily declined, leaving Pattonville with only 42% staffing for the 2023-24 school year. Despite various recruitment efforts and increasing starting pay, the district has found that prospective employees looking for a career in food service often seek opportunities at major food service companies rather than public K-12 schools. In order to increase staffing levels, new staff hired on or after July 1, 2024, will be contracted through Chartwells. Current staff will be grandfathered in as Pattonville employees until they leave the district. All current Pattonville food service staff will be eligible to change schools or apply for advancement opportunities through Chartwells but will remain district employees throughout their tenure. Chartwells will also support Pattonville with providing substitute staff. Having fully staffed cafeterias will allow for improved menu options.

This is the third time the district and Chartwells have renewed this five-year agreement. Chartwells was originally selected as the district’s food service management company in June 2014 following the retirement of the district’s long-service food service director. Chartwells is the largest food services management company in St. Louis with a client list that includes the following area school districts: Clayton, Kirkwood, Ladue, Lindbergh, St. Charles and University City.